Representatives are usually attorneys, but need not be. Representatives must abide by standards of conduct which the Social Security Administration has published. In addition, most representatives will not charge a fee unless they win your case. A representative cannot charge you until Social Security approves the fee.
If you do not know the name of a representative in your area, your local Social Security office can provide a list of representatives for you to choose from.
If you decide to have a representative, you must sign and submit a written statement to us appointing him or her to represent you in your dealings with Social Security. Use Form SSA-1696 (Appointment of Representative) for this purpose.
Related information
Where to send this form
Send the completed form to your local Social Security office. If you have any questions, you may call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.
